Sky Dragons: Four Flying Serpents of Myth and Legend

Dragons are popular creatures in myth and legend. Some walk about on two or four legs, others swim through the oceans and lakes, and still others take to the air, either with or without wings. The legends of flying serpents or dragons stretch across the world, from Europe, Asia, and South America specifically. These four flying serpents introduce the sky dragons, favorite creatures of myth and legend.

Sky Dragons - Amphipteres

These winged serpents were spotted in the skies of Great Britain until the mid 1600s. Described most commonly as a large snake with small wings behind the head, they could grow to lengths around nine to ten feet. Their heads were dragon-like, with multiple tongues and sharp fangs. Villagers reported having been able to scare them away by throwing rocks.

Similar creatures were reported in India. These sky dragons, or winged serpents, were nocturnal, and equipped with a singular form of defense. Their urine was like acid, and could melt the skin of anyone walking below.

Winged serpents also plagued the ancient Middle East. Arabia and Egypt were overrun with these snakes, reportedly small in size yet devestating to crops and livestock. Luckily, ibises ate these sky snakes. Even Moses was reported to use ibis birds to help his attack on Ethiopia who had invaded Egypt.

Sky Dragons - Egyptian Gods and Goddesses

The pantheon of Egyptian gods and goddesses held several sky dragons, or winged serpents. In ancient art and artifacts, historians have seen the goddess of silence and tombs, named Mertseger, depicted as serpent with wings. Apep, the creature who battled with the sun god Ra every night, was also described this way. The most common winged serpent in Egyption mythology was Buto, a crowned cobra with large wings who was said to protect the pharoah.

Sky Dragons - Quetzalcoatl

This god from ancient Mexico was seem as a creature with the body of a serpent, but covered with bright green feathers and sporting large wings. This sky dragon was their god of wind, life, and wisdom. Quetzalcoatl remained through several of Mexico's populations, namely the Mayan and the Aztec. Scientists now suppose that the flying serpent god was a fusion of real snakes, and the extravagantly plumaged quetzal bird.

Sky Dragons - Deities of China

Oriental dragons are very different from classic western winged serpents. First of all, Chinese dragons are usually without wings. Instead, their long, snake-like body has four short legs, a long tail, and an impressive head with horns and a beard.

These sky dragons are harbingers of both benevolent and malevolent things. They begin life in the water, and only reach maturity after 3000 years. Various dragons of legend do everything from bring rain, to inspire gluttony, and as keepers of jewels and riches.